How to Fix Epic Games Launcher stuck - Please wait while we start your update

Are you tired of waiting for your Epic Games Launcher to start an update? It can be frustrating when you're eager to play your favorite games, but the launcher seems to be stuck in an endless loop of "Please Wait." Don't worry, though! In this guide, we'll walk you through some simple steps to fix this issue and get you back to gaming in no time. We understand how important it is to have a smooth gaming experience, so we've made sure that these solutions are easy to follow and accessible to everyone.

Section 1: Restart Epic Games Launcher as an Administrator

One of the first things you should try when facing any issues with the Epic Games Launcher is to restart it as an administrator. Running the launcher with administrative privileges can often solve problems related to updates and installations. Here's how you can do it:

1. Right-click on the Epic Games Launcher shortcut on your desktop or start menu.

2. Select "Run as administrator" from the context menu.

3. If prompted, allow the launcher to make changes to your computer.

By giving the launcher administrative permissions, you're granting it the necessary access to perform the update without any hindrances.

Section 2: Check Server Status

Sometimes, the issue might be with the Epic Games servers rather than your launcher. To determine if this is the case, it's crucial to check the server status. You can do this by visiting the official Epic Games website or their community forums, where they often provide updates about server maintenance or outages. Here's how you can check the server status:

1. Open a web browser.

2. Go to the Epic Games website or visit their community forums.

3. Look for any announcements or threads regarding server status.

4. If there are any ongoing server issues, wait for them to be resolved before attempting the update again.

By staying informed about server status, you can have a better understanding of whether the problem lies with your launcher or the servers themselves.

Section 3: Edit WindowsEngine.ini File

The WindowsEngine.ini file is a configuration file that can sometimes cause issues with the Epic Games Launcher. Editing this file can help resolve update-related problems. However, it's essential to approach this step with caution and make backups before making any changes. Here's how you can locate and edit the WindowsEngine.ini file:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type "%localappdata%" (without quotes) and press Enter.

3. In the File Explorer window that opens, navigate to the "EpicGamesLauncher" folder.

4. Open the "Saved" folder, followed by the "Config" folder.

5. Locate the "WindowsEngine.ini" file and right-click on it.

6. Select "Open with" and choose a text editor like Notepad.

7. Look for the line that says "bUseBackgroundDownloads=True" and change it to "bUseBackgroundDownloads=False."

8. Save the changes and close the file.

By editing the WindowsEngine.ini file, you're disabling background downloads, which can sometimes interfere with updates and cause the launcher to get stuck.

Section 4: Unblock Ports

Blocked ports can be another culprit behind update delays or failures in the Epic Games Launcher. It's important to understand the concept of blocked ports and how to unblock them effectively. Here's what you can do:

1. Use online port checking tools or firewall settings to check if any ports are blocked.

2. If you find blocked ports, consult your router's manual or contact your internet service provider for assistance on unblocking them.

3. Ensure that the necessary ports for Epic Games services are open, such as TCP 80, 443, and UDP 5222.

By unblocking the necessary ports, you're ensuring a smooth connection between your launcher and the Epic Games servers, which can help resolve update-related issues.

Section 5: Reinstall the Game

If all else fails, reinstalling the game can be a last resort to fix persistent launcher issues. While this can be time-consuming, it has been known to solve various problems. Here's how you can uninstall and reinstall games via the Epic Games Launcher:

1. Open the Epic Games Launcher.

2. Go to the Library tab.

3. Find the game that's causing the update issue and click on the three dots next to it.

4. Select "Uninstall" from the dropdown menu.

5. Once the game is uninstalled, go to the Store tab.

6. Search for the game and click on it.

7. Click on the "Install" button to reinstall the game.

During the reinstallation process, make sure to back up any saved data or progress you have in the game. Additionally, ensure that you have a stable internet connection to avoid any interruptions during the download and installation.

In this comprehensive guide, we've explored various solutions to fix the Epic Games Launcher stuck issue during updates. By restarting the launcher as an administrator, checking server status, editing the WindowsEngine.ini file, unblocking ports, or reinstalling the game, you have a range of options to overcome this frustrating problem. Remember to follow each solution methodically until the issue is resolved.

If you encounter any difficulties while following these steps, don't hesitate to seek further assistance from the Epic Games support team or their community forums. They are there to help you and ensure that you can get back to enjoying your games without any hassle. So, don't let a stuck update discourage you. Take advantage of these user-friendly solutions and get ready to dive back into the world of gaming!